Is Facebook making you depressed?
A recent study found that social media contributes to depression and envy.
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HEALTH Social media
Mark Zuckerberg recently announced that Facebook will be undergoing some changes in 2018. In a Facebook post, Zuckerberg stated, “The research shows that when we use social media to connect with people we care about, it can be good for our well-being. We can feel more connected and less lonely, and that correlates with long-term measures of happiness and health. On the other hand, passively reading articles or watching videos – even if they're entertaining or informative – may not be as good.”
Although this might sound like good news, a 2016 study found that social media increases unflattering social comparison and that networking sites like Facebook provide a fertile ground for envy and depression.
Researchers have also found that people experience a decline in their moods after scrolling through their timelines. The remorse over procrastinating often leaves people feeling worse. The best way to avoid being negatively influenced by Facebook and similar apps is to have real and meaningful face-to-face connections.